The Unfolding Garden
🌷 The Unfolding Garden – A Summer Sculpture Trail Across Worcester
Tuesday 22nd July – Sunday 31st August 2025
This summer, something beautiful is blooming across Worcester…
The Unfolding Garden is a family-friendly sculpture trail celebrating creativity, reading, and community. From Tuesday 22nd July to Sunday 31st August, explore Worcester in a whole new way — with 20 stunning sculptures, 37 decorated business windows, 3 book benches, and plenty of activities along the way.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the day, this is your chance to experience Worcester in a new way.
🌷 Inspired by the Summer Reading Challenge
At the heart of The Unfolding Garden lies the inspiration behind it all — the Summer Reading Challenge, a national initiative that encourages children of all ages to keep reading over the summer holidays.
As part of this campaign, over 600 local students were invited to take part in creative workshops throughout June at The Hive, where they read for inspiration, explored mark-making techniques, and helped co-design the sculptures featured in the trail. The result? A city-wide celebration of reading, imagination, and artistic expression.
Learn more about the challenge and how to get involved at 👉 summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
🌷 What to Expect
🪻 20 Sculptures
Collaboratively created with local schools and Creative Lead, Catt Standen, these sculptures represent themes of nature, growth, and storytelling — brought to life through the students from the following schools:
- North Worcester Primary Academy
- Oldbury Park Primary School
- Red Hill C of E Primary School
- RGS Springfield
- St Barnabus C of E Primary School
- St Clements C of E Primary School
- St George’s C of E Primary School
- St James’ C of E Primary School
- Tudor Grange Academy
🌸 37 Window Art Displays
Worcester’s independent businesses transform their shopfronts into vibrant floral displays in celebration of the trail.
🗺️ A Family-Friendly Trail
Pick up a map to visit the highlighted businesses, find the sculptures and collect stamps — enjoy a city adventure perfect for all ages.
📚 3 Book Benches
Sit, read, or snap a photo on our themed benches – “The Ladybird Lounger” at Cathedral Square, “The Flutter Bench” at Friary Walk, and “The Bumblebook” at The Hive.
📖 Storytelling & Book Swaps
Join the Garden Gnome for magical storytelling sessions throughout the summer. (Dates to be announced!)
🌷 How to Join the Trail
From Tuesday 22nd July, grab your official trail map for £1 from:
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Our Garden Gnome! (See below for meet-and-greet details!)
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Or one of these local businesses:
All About Me · ASK Italian · Auntie Em’s Tearoom · Boston Tea Party · Coffee Dough · Cookmate · G&W Furniture · JNCTN · Mr D’s Olde Sweet Shop · Museum of Royal Worcester · Pack It In · Paw & Co · Petite Paws Only · Pretty Good Coffee · Revital · Robin Elts Shoes · Script Haven · The Cabin · The Heritage POD (Friary Walk) · The Hive · The Wildling Collective · Tudor House · Waffle & More · Worcester BID’s Safe Space Van · ZipYard
✅ Finished the trail?
Return your completed map to The Hive to enter our free prize draw! Be in with a chance of winning a prize worth over £200!
🌷 Meet & Greet Our Garden Gnome!
Don’t miss your chance to meet the star of the trail — Mr Gnome!
He’ll be out and about with stories, smiles, and surprises on these special dates:
📅 Meet & Greet Dates (12pm–2pm):
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Saturday 2nd August
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Saturday 9th August
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Friday 15th August
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Saturday 30th August
📍 Gnome Schedule for Each Date:
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12:00 – 12:15pm → Meet & Greet + Storytelling at The Hive
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12:15 – 1:00pm → Walkabout through the city, visiting sculptures and businesses
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1:00 – 1:15pm → Meet & Greet + Storytelling at Script Haven
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1:15 – 1:30pm → Meet & Greet + Storytelling at Cathedral Square Book Bench (books kindly provided by Script Haven)
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1:30 – 2:00pm → Return walk to The Hive, engaging with the public along the way
Bring your questions, your favourite book, or just stop by for a wave and a selfie!
🌷 Limited Edition Tote Bags – Pick Positivity, Shop Local
Celebrate Independent Retailers Month with our limited edition Unfolding Garden tote bags — just £5!
🌿 Eco-friendly
🌷 Floral trail design
🛍️ Stylish summer accessory
💛 Supporting Worcester’s 67% independent business community
Available at:
All About Me · Auntie Em’s Tearoom · Boston Tea Party · Cookmate · G&W Furniture · JNCTN · Pack It In · Paw & Co · Pretty Good Coffee · Revital · Robin Elts Shoes · Script Haven · The Cabin · The Wildling Collective · Tudor House · Waffle & More · Worcester BID’s Safe Space Van · ZipYard
🌷 Supporting Worcester Safe Space
All proceeds from trail map and tote bag sales go to Worcester Safe Space — a vital service offering care and support to vulnerable individuals in the city.
By taking part in The Unfolding Garden, you’re helping to:
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Provide first aid and welfare support
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Create a compassionate, safe space in the city centre
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Ease the pressure on emergency services
🌷 Get Involved!
📸 Share your adventure using #TheUnfoldingGarden
📱 Tag us on social media — help the trail grow!
Let’s celebrate reading, art, and community spirit — all summer long. 🌼
What’s On This May Half Term in Worcester
Looking for fun ways to keep the whole family entertained this May Half Term? From arcade battles and theatre shows to hands-on art workshops and comic book signings, Worcester is bursting with things to do from 24 May to 1 June. Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s on:
👾 High Score Arcades: Daily Fun + Epic Challenge!
Open Daily | 24 May – 1 June
Gamers, get ready to take on the Ace the Ace Challenge — defeat a staff member in a head-to-head arcade battle and win a FREE return ticket! Plus, enjoy Freeplay90 for just one person – no group needed.
🎨 Worcester Cathedral: Free Family Arts Workshop
Tuesday 27 May | 10:30am–3pm
Join artist Imogen Morris in the Chapter House for a free drop-in workshop. Families will contribute to a large collaborative artwork made from nails and thread – no booking required.
👉 Worcester Cathedral Events
🏰 Tudor House Museum: Talks, Crafts & Historical Toys
🏰 Tudor House Museum: Talks, Crafts & Historical Toys-
24 May, 2pm: ‘Mapping History – From Field to Factory’ Talk (Booking: info@tudorhouse.org.uk)
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28–30 May, 11am–3pm: Tudor Herbs & Remedies drop-in crafts (donations welcome)
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31 May, 11am–3pm: Toys & Games Through the Ages with a costumed interpreter
👉 Tudor House Website
🐐 Worcester Theatres: The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Swan Studio | 24 May – 1 June (excl. 28 May)
Showtimes: 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm
Tickets: £7.50 or £25 for a family of four
A delightful performance for young audiences — magical, musical fun!
🎟️ Book Now | 📞 01905 611 427
🌿 The Wildling Collective: Play Sessions & Book Hunt
🌿 The Wildling Collective: Play Sessions & Book Hunt- Daily Sessions: 9am, 11am, 1pm
Book in advance for outdoor, nature-inspired play at thewildlingcollective.co.uk. - 26 May: Join the Annual Treasure Book Hunt around town – clues on social media, and a book prize for the winner!
📚 Script Haven: Comics, Music & More!
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24 May, from 10:30am: Meet Kev Sutherland, comic artist for Beano & Marvel. Get caricatures and signed books!
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25 May, 2–4pm: Dragon Folk Club live folk session – free entry
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27 May, 7:30pm: 42Worcester alt-genre spoken word night (gothic, horror, sci-fi)
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28 May, 4pm: Book signing with Helen Idris Jones
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24 May, from 10:30am: Meet Kev Sutherland, comic artist for Beano & Marvel. Get caricatures and signed books!
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25 May, 2–4pm: Dragon Folk Club live folk session – free entry
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27 May, 7:30pm: 42Worcester alt-genre spoken word night (gothic, horror, sci-fi)
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28 May, 4pm: Book signing with Helen Idris Jones
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30 May – 7 June: 🎉 Alchemy of Words Literary Festival
Worcester’s newest lit fest brings free daytime workshops & talks in a marquee on Cathedral Square, plus evening events at Script Haven. Meet bestselling authors including Barbara Erskine, Jackie Kabler, and Anna Mazzola. 🎟️ Festival Info & Tickets
👉 Script Haven Facebook Events
Get Ready to Level Up Your Adventure: Epic May Half Term Awaits at High Score Arcades
Get Ready to Level Up Your Adventure: Epic May Half Term Awaits at High Score Arcades with Daily Openings and Spectacular Customer Challenge!
Attention all gaming enthusiasts, adventurers, and thrill-seekers of every age! High Score Arcades are thrilled to announce that we will be OPEN EVERY DAY during the May half term, inviting you to unleash your ultimate gaming prowess! From 24th May to 1st June, dive into the heart-pounding excitement of our Ace The Ace Challenge – a showdown that’s guaranteed to spark your competitive spirit like never before!
Ace the Ace Challenge! –Think you have what it takes to outsmart our skilled team members? Step up and take on a head-to-head duel in a battle of wits and reflexes! We choose the game, and if you score an epic win, you’ll not only bask in glory but also snag a FREE return ticket! Imagine the exhilarating thrill of conquering one of our arcade pros and walking away with a ticket in your hand — it’s a victory that packs a double punch!
But that's not all! Get ready for our May Half Term Limited time Offer: we’ve slashed the minimum group size for our Freeplay90 Ticket from 8 all the way down to just 1! That means you can maximize your gaming experience with a full 90 minutes of non-stop fun, whether you’re a solo adventurer or bringing a group of friends!
At High Score Arcades, we operate on an admission-based model where you pay to access the arcade floor and enjoy UNLIMITED access to over 80 jaw-dropping games, all set to Free-Play! For just £12.50 for 60 minutes or £16.50 for 90 minutes, dive headfirst into as many games as your heart desires! It’s the perfect chance to explore the hottest new titles, challenge your friends to epic battles, and rack up those high scores without worrying about digging into your pockets for each game. And for families, grab our Family of Four Ticket at a fantastic rate of £40, giving you a saving of 20% for an hour full of family fun!
Nicki Gamblin, Head of Operations at High Score Arcades, can hardly contain her excitement: “We are absolutely over the moon to be open every day during May half term! Our Customer Challenge isn’t just about gaming; it’s about fostering community, building camaraderie, and igniting that friendly competition. Winning a free return ticket? That’s just the cherry on top! Plus, with our limited time Freeplay90 ticket offer, everyone will have more time to immerse themselves in the arcade experience. We can’t wait to cheer on our guests as they take on our team and create unforgettable memories together!”
High Score Arcades boasts an extensive selection of games — from nostalgic retro classics to the latest cutting-edge innovations — ensuring there’s something for every gamer! So bring your family, gather your friends, and prepare for an exhilarating, laughter-filled day packed with friendly rivalry and unbeatable fun!
Don’t let the excitement pass you by. Join us at High Score Arcades, open daily throughout May half term, where you can unleash your inner champion in our thrilling Customer Challenge and enjoy our incredible Free-Play Hour!
For more information, visit our website at www.highscorearcades.co.uk or join the community on social media at @highscorearcades
Howden Insurance (Worcester)
If we can't beat your existing home insurance price and don't secure your business, we will provide you with a hamper to the value of £50 sourced from other Worcester BID members!
If we can't beat your existing home insurance price and don't secure your business, we will provide you with a hamper to the value of £50 sourced from other Worcester BID members!T&C's:
New Home Insurance clients only
Must be like-for-like cover.
Excludes flood, subsidence properties and where there's been a claim in the last 12 months.
AVAILABLE AT
2 Foregate Street, Worcester
Will writing drive to raise funds for Worcestershire Community Foundation
Specialist legal teams at two Worcester law firms are throwing their support behind the Worcestershire Community Foundation through a month-long Will writing initiative.
Throughout June, solicitors at City firms Bradley Haynes and HCR Law will be offering to write Wills at a considerable discount for the public - a scheme aimed at encouraging people to realise the importance of planning for the future, as well as being invited to leave a legacy to local causes.
Experts at the firm will be setting up or amending Wills at a reduced rate of £100.00 for a single Will or £150.00 for a joint document - with those making a Will encouraged to leave a donation to the Foundation to support good causes across the county into the future.
Jonathan Chenevix-Trench, Chair of Worcestershire Community Foundation said: “The month-long Wills campaign in June will give people across Worcestershire the opportunity to have their Will professionally prepared by experts at Bradley Haynes Law and HCR Law at a very special rate.
“We hope that some people taking advantage of this service will consider making a donation to the Worcestershire Community Foundation in their Will, which will allow us to grant even more funds to groups across the county for years to come.”
“Roughly half of adults in the UK do not have a Will, meaning they have not made arrangements for the distribution of their assets after their death which can make things very complicated for their loved ones. We want to help encourage people to make provision for their future and think about how they might support Worcestershire’s communities at the same time.”
Claire Pottinger, HCR Partner and Joint Head of Private Client commented: “HCR Worcester is proud to support this Worcestershire Community Foundation initiative. We feel strongly about being able to give something back to our local community and this is an excellent chance for us to be able to put this into action.”
Leah Lewis, solicitor at Bradley Haynes added: “Worcestershire Community Foundation does fantastic work for the local community and it’s very rewarding for our team to be involved. Leaving a gift in your Will is a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy by supporting vital projects across Worcestershire for years to come. This event is a wonderful opportunity for those who may not have previously considered making a Will to do so with trusted legal guidance – while also supporting the invaluable work of the Foundation.”
To make an appointment for the Will writing initiative in June, readers can email the Foundation’s Lucy Wells through lucy.wells@worcscf.org.uk, who will link them with the solicitors to arrange a meeting.
During 2024 the Worcestershire Community Foundation, which is one of the county’s major charitable grantmakers, distributed a total of £617,000 supporting nearly 100 local projects during the year.
Since its formation in 2003, the Foundation has distributed over £8 million to charities, volunteer networks and good causes - building key partnerships with supporters and funders to help reach as many local people in need as possible.
Readers interested in finding out more about the Foundation can visit www.worcscf.org.uk. For Bradley Haynes Law visit www.bradleyhaynessolicitors.co.uk, and for HCR Law readers can visit www.hcrlaw.com
The Dice Box Worcester Launches ‘The Library’ – A Private Room for Hire
Looking for the cosy café vibe without the crowds? The Library is The Dice Box Worcester’s brand-new private games room, now officially open for bookings!
Following a series of successful soft-launch events, The Dice Box Worcester is thrilled to unveil The Library – an exclusive upstairs space designed for private hire. With three large tables and seating for up to 24 guests, it’s the ideal setting for birthdays, team-building events, special gatherings, or simply a quieter place to enjoy your favourite games.
Guests hiring The Library enjoy full access to the venue’s extensive board game collection – over 700 titles and counting. Plus, with convenient QR code ordering, food and drinks from the café’s full menu can be delivered straight to your table.
Whether you're planning a celebration or just want a more intimate gaming experience, The Library offers a unique and welcoming space right in the heart of Worcester.
To book or find out more, drop us a message or email us at worcester@the-dice-box.co.uk.